How Does Classical Music Affect Us?

In ancient China, one of music’s earliest purposes was for healing. It was believed that music had the power to heal the heart, enrich the mind, and harmonize a person’s soul. Hence the age-old saying: “Music before medicine.”

During the time of the Great Yellow Emperor (2698–2598 B.C.E.), people discovered the relationship between the pentatonic musical scale, the five elements, and the human body’s five internal and five sensory organs. During Confucius’s time, scholars used music’s calming properties to help improve and strengthen people’s character and conduct. The Chinese character for “medicine” (藥 yào) even stems from the character for “music” (樂, yuè). In the West today, scientific research has also validated music’s therapeutic ability to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, enhance concentration, stabilize heart rate, and more.

Interact with Shen Yun:

Shen Yun Performing Arts is a premier classical Chinese dance and music company established in New York. It performs
classical Chinese dance, ethnic and folk dance, and story-based dance, with orchestral accompaniment and solo performers.
For 5,000 years, divine culture flourished in the land of China. Through breathtaking music and dance, Shen Yun is reviving
this glorious culture. Shen Yun, or 神韻, can be translated as: “The beauty of divine beings dancing.”